Tuesday, June 26, 2012

"In third grade, I cheated on my history exam. In fourth grade, I stole my uncle Max’s toupee and I glued it on my face when I was Moses in my Hebrew School play. In fifth grade, I knocked my sister Edie down the stairs and I blamed it on the dog…When my mom sent me to the summer camp for fat kids and then they served lunch I went nuts and I pigged out and they kicked me out…But the worst thing I ever done — I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa — and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life." - Chunk, The Goonies film

One of my favorite characters from the kids film The Goonies is Chunk, the overweight youngster that's given all the funny lines. A group of kids are in search of a pirate's treasure with the help of a map they find. In the above scene, Chunk is kidnapped by a family of thieves and is being questioned of everything he knows about them, which is obviously nothing because of his funny answers.

This week I came across an article about a couple of child actors who actually grew up into something more significant in life. By the time most child actors become adults they are found to be in either drug rehab or jail, unfortunately. So it was good to hear about a couple of kids who made something of themselves. Both Jeff Cohen who played Chunk, and Josh Saviano whose better known as the geek Paul Pfeiffer from The Wonder Years are now attorneys. A far cry from Hollywood and all it's glitter.

By now I am sure you've heard the story of the 68 year old bullied bus monitor. A story that made national headlines and for good reason. Some foolish 7th grade boys video taped their bullying of the grandmother and put the tape on You Tube. And the next thing you know:

The whole world knows about it.

The kids now may be suspended for all of the next school year.

And the grandmother, who was a part time bus monitor, can now retire luxuriously; thanks to a website organization who was only seeking donations totaling a couple of thousand dollars to give this humiliated woman a vacation. So far they have raised over $500,000!!!

Hopefully this dreadful act of school bullying has increased the awareness of it and the damage it can cause.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

If I sing but don't have loveI waste my breath with every songI bring an empty voiceA hollow noise

If I give to a needy soulbut don't have love, then who is poorIt seems all the poverty is found in me

King and Country- The Proof of Your Love

Lately I've discovered many new songs with such strong lyrics to get us back into the simple act of love toward others, something definitely needed in this lost decaying society we call America. Those of us who are believers in Christ know that this is the time to step up to the plate with not only our faith, but expressing the love to others that God asks of us.

Am I proofThat You are who You say You areThat grace can really change a heartDo I live like Your love is true

People pass And even if they don't know my nameIs there evidence that I've been changedWhen they see me, do they see You

Sidewalk Prophets- Live Like That

That's a good question to ask of ourselves: Are we living like God wants us to live? Expressing His love through our words and actions? Do people see Christ in you?

I can't believe what she said...I can't believe what he didDon't they know it's wrong?Don't they know it's wrong?Maybe there's something missing?But how could they treat me like this?It's wearing out my heartThe way they disregard

This is loveThis is hateWe all have a choice to make

Oh Father, won't you forgive themThey don't know what they've been doingOh Father, give me grace to forgive themCause I feel like I am the one losing.

Tenth Avenue North - Losing

God doesn't want us to feel like we are the one's losing. Don't give up hope. Be encouraged. Stand strong. Stay the course. Continue to give grace.

Oh Jesus, friend of sinnersOpen our eyes to the worldAt the end of our pointing fingersLet our hearts be led by mercyHelp us reach with open hearts and open doorsOh Jesus, friend of sinnersBreak our hearts for what breaks Yours.

Casting Crowns - Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Let us put away our pointing fingers and exhibit the compassion, love and grace that God asks of us.

It's always good to have new songs within earshot of our busy lives; songs to inspire and remind us of who we should be.

It is also good to be reminded of the importance of worshiping and singing praises to our Heavenly Father not just on Sunday, but every day He gives us new breath.

"The first fight in the Bible was about a worship offering (Gen.4), and to this day, people bicker and disagree about what is genuine worship. No matter how we present our worship, only God knows the true intent of our pursuit of Him. And it is in the authentic pursuit of Him that we find excellence in worship." - Darlene Zschech

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The family dog had gone missing for a day and a half. They searched every inch of their neighborhood without any success. On the evening of the second night the family found their dog. Where, you might ask?

He was found under a bridge curled up beside an infant child who was left abandoned. I have probably blogged about dogs at least 20 times and for good reason. They are truly one of the greatest creatures God has created.
If your looking for a great story on the faithfulness of dogs, go to my archives and click on August 2011 for a post on the amazing story of Hachiko.

You are six years old, you have $3.36 in your piggy bank, what are you gonna spend it on?

For a young New York Giants fan named Joseph, that $3.36 in cash was sent to Brandon Jacobs with a letter asking him to stay with the Super Bowl Champions. It was a little too late though, as Jacobs went on to sign with a different team. But it was all for naught! Brandon Jacobs was so touched by the offer from the little guy that he decided to give his biggest little fan a great offer: tickets to the Giants game in September against Jacobs new team, the San Francisco 49'ers, and Brandon will hang out with the kid for a day.
I love it when professional athletes do something great for their real fans.

The horse I'll Have Another was 1 win away from the Triple Crown. The day before the big event that had he won would've been a part of history, was instead retired and put to pasture. He had some minor ligament damage to one of his ankles, even though he did do some practice runs on the track the day before the race. I applaud the owners for looking to the actual health of the horse before looking at the millions of dollars he would have pulled in for them.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

I was channel surfing on the car radio the other day when I caught these lyrics to a song. Most songs that we listen to are based on life experiences by the songwriter. Hopefully the author who penned this song was just being humorous with words. It would be unfortunate if he was going through a tough time and resorting to a quick fix.

Toby Mac, the Christian Rap artist, gives us a different alternative when dealing with a setback:

We lose our wayWe get back up againIt's never to late to get back up again.

One day you will shine again,You may be knocked downBut not out forever.

Just recently an NBA basketball rookie spent $10,000 on $1 lottery tickets for a large Powerball jackpot.

Really?

Dude, your in the NBA! Most kids your age do not get the chance to play professionally, let alone have the chance to make millions of dollars.

This player's simple reply when questioned about spending that much money on lottery tickets,

"It was either that or spend it in the clubs."

(Note to self: all those lottery tickets and he still didn't win.)

I guess donating the money to a charity or giving back to your community would be a little too much to ask.

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About Me

I am a resident of the western suburbs of Chicagoland, Care and connection Pastor at Mercy Gate International.
My motto- It's not about religion, it's about relationship!
You can also check me out on facebook and my photography on either:davesphotoshop/facebook or pictalesblog.wordpress.com